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In MEMORY of COLTON DURBIN

As the Mules lined up to kick the pigskin to the Jef­ferson Bears, football fans quickly realized there were only 10 players on the field for Bedford.

To begin the game, the team started one player short to honor their fallen comrade, Colton Durbin.

Colton, a 17-year-old se­nior and defensive back for the undefeated Mules, died Thursday as a result of in­juries he suffered in a car crash the previous day.

Just moments before, the team heard a special start­ing line-up announced to honor their teammate.

“At this time, starting for the Lord in heaven will be No. 3, Colton Durbin at 6 ft. 1, 160 pounds, se­nior defensive back,” the announcer said before the fans on both sides of Marc Cisco Alumni Field cheered.

The atmosphere at the game was solemn. Some students and fans hugged each other while they fought back tears.

Prior to taking the field, stu­dents lined the path­way from the locker room to the field. A s t h e team en­tered the tunnel of p e o p l e , the fans and play­ers all held up their t h u m b s and forefingers in the shape of a “C” while stick­ing out the remaining three to form a “C3.”

After the teams’ start­ing line- ups were announced, Jefferson’s announcer delivered a special message for the away crowd.

“ We extend our deepest sympathy to our friends, neighbors and family in the Bedford community,” he said. “As you grieve, know that we are remembering you and honoring the memory of Mr. Colton Durbin.”

According to his obituary, Colton loved to clown around and enjoyed making people laugh.

“ He had a passion for sports since he was 4 years old,” the obituary said. “Colton had a huge, loving and caring heart.”

Along the Bedford sideline, students held signs honoring Colton. Some of the signs read “Play for CD3” or “Ohana means no one gets left behind.” Ohana is a Hawaiian word meaning family.

Scattered throughout the fans were sweat shirts with “ CD3” or people wearing buttons with Colton’s football picture in the middle.

Bedford seniors MacKenzie Wegener and Kevin Ashenfelter said they found out about Colton’s death via Twitter.

“ We found out within minutes,” Kevin, 18, explained.

“ It was silence in the hallways,” MacKenzie added. “People just didn’t have any words.”

Since the tragedy, Bedford is uniting as a community, students said.

“ It’s really brought us together,” MacKenzie said.

Bedford cheerleaders Sarah Stewart and Breanna Tidwell, both 17, said they have to continue on with cheering at Friday’s game to honor No. 3.

“ It’s what he would want us to do,” Sarah said. The tragic passing of Colton helps the students focus on life.

“ We look out for each other more,” Breanna said. “Life is short.”

Schools as far north as Walled Lake and as far south as Lake High School in Millbury, Ohio, had plans to honor Colton by having students wear red during football games.

Jefferson’s cheerleaders wore red ribbons in their hair. Other schools like Dundee High School encouraged their students to have a “Red Out” and wear red clothing to honor Colton and their counterparts at Bedford.

“It feels good to see how people are supporting us,” Breanna said.

News of Colton’s death was acknowledged beyond the high school football community.

Michigan quarterback Devin Gardner posted a comment on Twitter on Thursday to honor Bedford and Colton.

“ Thoughts & prayers go out to Colton Durbin’s family and the students and faculty at Bedford for the loss of their brother and friend!,” the post read.

Mark German, the athletic director at Bedford, called Colton’s death a “ horrific tragedy,” but said his death is drawing people closer together.

“ We can thank Colton for that,” Mr. German said.

Bedford’s Supt. Mark Kleinhans walked around with a sweat shirt with the word “family” across the back.

“ Our hearts just ache for the family,” he said. “He was very well liked. Our hearts go out to Colton’s family.”